taylor from danville, va

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 of 21

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

almost no incidents.

Greek Life

no greek life

Clubs and Activities

many sports and clubs, although there is little time for participation, especially during the ratline

Great for these types of students

those who want to truly better themselves. if you do not take the honor code seriously, do not come here!

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

the ratline is the grueling and taxing freshman year tradition that makes vmi so special.

What to do for fun

lift weights

Food and Dining

do not come for the food.

Dorm Life

not going to sugarcoat it, the barracks are bleak and crowded. you cannot have the true spartan experience without it! that is not to say that they are not clean and kept up well.

Academic Rigor

prestigious academics. you are virtually guaranteed a job upon graduation.

Tips for prospective students

come prepared for the physical and emotional rigors of the ratline. don't expect anything to be easy and be prepared to be tested.

In three sentences

an institution built on tradition, it has a challenging spartan lifestyle matched by no other school in the country. it may not be fun, but it will prepare you to be a true leader in the military or the civilian world. the academics are prestigious and the alumni network spreads far and wide.

A student

12/01/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
2 of 21

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

There are some good things about the security in terms of response when something happens, but honestly the school isn't protected by much more then bystander intervention. Most students would respond quickly to any threat but that's about it.

Greek Life

There is none.

Clubs and Activities

Most club sports have trouble financially and finding time to meet, but with effort, you can easily have a good time. Other clubs have great opportunities to link with jobs, the community, and study abroad programs that can be life changing.

Great for these types of students

self-motivated, lots of family and friends support, willing to push themselves through tough and enduring challenges

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

The ratline is certainly a huge tradition, as well as hops (dances) and a special event ring figure.

Bang for the buck

Like I said earlier, the weight a degree carries from here is huge. The network of alumni willing to help just about anyone from VMI is incredible. Lots of help when trying to find internships and future jobs. It also teaches very strong and high morals that certainly stick with you after you graduate.

What to do for fun

There's not a whole lot of typical things for fun. Exercising, hanging out with friends and classmates, and joining club sports and other clubs is about the only thing there is. In town there is a movie theater, but rarely will you have the opportunity to go. You certainly learn to improvise.

Food and Dining

The food definitely is not the pride of VMI, but you quickly learn to be creative. Its always cooked for you, and hours of operation are very good. It takes a few days for your digestive system to get adjusted, but once it does, you can pretty much eat anything for the rest of your life.

Dorm Life

It's not the Ritz, but the roommates and classmates make it better. No air conditioning, and sometimes the heat doesn't work as well as you'd like. Because of strict regulations, your rooms stay decently clean. You do have to walk to the bathrooms, all you have in your room is a sink.

Academic Rigor

VMI has a top rated engineering department, the business department is also good, as well as the biology and other science majors are growing in strength. Regardless of your major, having a degree from VMI carries a lot of weight when applying for jobs.

Tips for prospective students

If you want to come to VMI, it has to be for you, not for others or you will struggle to want to stay. It gets tough right from the start, but contrary to popular belief, it does not get easier. Each day you wake up stronger than before and that's what makes it easier. A constant drive to the finish knowing you will fall along the way but get up anyways is the best way to look at getting through this school.

In three sentences

The Virginia Military Institute is not for the thinned skin, but definitely a great place. The academics are top notch and the brotherhood lasts longer than a life time.

I'll get in trouble if Comm Staff knew my name..

11/15/2015

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 of 21

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

If we're being honest this school is a soft target. There is a 24-hour guard team patrolling but all they have are radios and M-14s with dull bayonets and no firing pins (they're paperweights). Dormitory doors cannot be locked. Better than some schools.

Greek Life

None.

Clubs and Activities

There are many clubs but funding is poor unless you're the rugby team (who's coach is the former Commandant of the Corps) or running club (coach is current Commandant staff member). You're limited to practicing twice a week for two hours, Tuesday & Thursday from 4PM-6PM. Many of the watersport clubs like polo, combat dive, triathlon, or ranger challenge are out of luck because officials don't allow anyone to use the pool, at all. Lack of funding and flexibility is an issue.

Great for these types of students

Self-motivated

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Straining. Honor Court. Ring Figure. VMI Class System priveleges.

Bang for the buck

It used to be worth it but then they increased the total cost to about $49k for out-of-staters and it doesn't show signs that it won't stop rising. Twice now they have increased the cost of tuition and twice now I've had to consider not coming back because I couldn't afford it. There is no security of knowing you will be able to come back unless you have money to throw around. If you come from out of state I HIGHLY suggest that you look elsewhere unless you have a scholarship.

What to do for fun

Sleep, workout, watch Netflix, or study. Student life is nonexistent. You are only allowed into town for a few hours on the weekend. If people can hide their cars in Rockbridge county then they often leave to go to other colleges, but you're limited to the number of times you can do this per semester (once or twice). The gym has been under construction for awhile and the hours are so bad that you'll often have 2-3 people per squat rack, it's crowded.

Food and Dining

If you like powdered eggs, sausages that you could wring the grease out of, and pre-made, cold waffles/pancakes then this is the place for you. You will eat these few options everyday you are here for four years. I literally mean those are the only foods I have been served for breakfast in my three years of attending. Lunch is the only guaranteed chance of getting good food (you can make your own sandwich). If I could rate it lower than 1 star I would because I often find myself skipping meals because the quality is so poor. The best part is you are paying roughly $8000 a year for this terrible food and they know that there's nothing you can do about it.

Dorm Life

Terrible. 4 outlets in the center of the room for 4-6 people makes it impossible and likely a fire hazard with the number of wires coming out of them. Poor internet access campus-wide. No air conditioning in the summers, in the winters shower heating can be spotty at best. Windows are old and not of good quality. No privacy, you can't have your shade down for more than a few minutes or the guard team comes knocking. They leave the stoop lights on at night and because you can't close your shade they will keep you awake until the early hours of the morning. You sleep on a 4-5 inch thick mattress that you put on a wooden cot (almost like a table). This school takes more pride in their spartan lifestyle than they do their students.

Academic Rigor

You will take twice as many credits as a student at a civilian school, if you can't excel with this you are in some trouble. The classes are small and interesting, this is a very appealing aspect. Because of the VMI Class system (Class of '17, '18, '19... etc) giving upperclasses, athletes, honor court, and general comittee priority during registration you often don't get into the classes you are interested in. At least 1/3 of the Corps will have filled classes you wanted before you even get the chance to register. They really try to sell their strong alumni network, it's limited mainly to Virginia. Most businesses or graduate programs won't consider you unless you have a 3.0 GPA. If you come from out of state make sure you get over a 3.0 GPA.

Tips for prospective students

Come here if you're EXTREMELY motivated to join the military or if you can apply as an in-state student. If you have an ounce of doubt you might find this school very difficult to get through.

In three sentences

It's what you make it. It's not what it used to be. This is going to sound like I'm bashing the school, but if you're considering coming here you're going to want to REALLY understand the angle I'm coming from because very few reviews will tell you what I will.

Me from Virginia

02/17/2014

Reviewer is A current student here.

6 of 21

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Comments

Campus Safety

Extremely safe.

Greek Life

None

Great for these types of students

physically fit and interested in military training and leadership. Also, small class sizes and small student body so private school feel at a public college - while it is rigorous and spartan compared to my friends at other colleges, I am achieving things I did not know I could and am proud of my accomplishments. I do not waste one second of my day, and am focused on school and training - I do not have a choice if I want to stay here, and I do. My four years here will not be wasted and will be a real personal and academic accomplishment.

What to do for fun

sleep

Food and Dining

okay.

Dorm Life

Spartan, especially in the beginning. For example, in the first several months you must put your bed up each morning, so there is no napping during the day, etc. During the week you cannot use your cell phone or computer, except for homework. No privacy. Room must be spotless at all times and strictly ordered.

Academic Rigor

Class sizes are small and expectations are high.

Tips for prospective students

This school is tough- don't underestimate just how tough it is, especially the first six months when you must follow very strict rules, including during all meals and weekends. Downtime is almost non-existent. Students go to church on Sunday for a break.

In three sentences

This school is personally rigorous and demanding with leadership training and regular physical challenges. There is a deep camaraderie among class for getting through it together. This school is for people who strive to be exceptional both academically and physically and have strong mental health, too, because you start with very few freedoms and are challenged on a personal level.

Jorge from Doral, FL

Those who want to obtain a commission as an officer in the military. Those who want a degree in engineering. Those who want a challenge and think that the regular college life would be boring.

Food and Dining

I can't say the food was amazing, but it was more than ok, considering the fact that you actually get to choose what you want to eat!

Dorm Life

the barracks are ok, and for those masochists who like the whole military experience, just like myself, they just rock. Although the cadets could use a little more privacy. But what would you expect, it's a military college after all.

Academic Rigor

The business and economics major did not convince me entirely because it does not appear to have a strong scientific foundation. The engineering programs however, seem to be very good. The electrical engineering professor has degrees from MIT and West Point.

In three sentences

VMI is nor for everyone, but at the same time it does not seem as tough as some people portray it. Their engineering program is top-notch and the classes are ridiculously small-which is a good thing. The cadets are very friendly, They even bought pizza for all the prospect cadets that were staying over at the barracks.

The food is terrible, but there is a lot of it. You pay up front in the tuition costs per semester for the food, and you can eat whenever you want. Good for those who aren't picky, as food choice is very limited as well.

Dorm Life

Dorms and furniture are very primitive, but only to keep VMI's historical significance, as well as build young men and women into potential military or civilian leaders. For new freshmen, the barracks (dorms) are shared with the rest of the corps of cadets, including your cadre (instructors), making for a very stressful living experience. Also, the amount of food and electrical appliances as well as decorations are extremely limited.

Academic Rigor

Classes are interesting and challenging. You interact with your professors directly as the student to professor ratio is somewhere in the area of 20:1 or smaller for some classes. Classes are mandatory to attend, and there are usually graded homework assignments. Cadets also follow the VMI Honor Code, and therefore do not lie, cheat, or steal, which means grades earned at VMI are, in fact, earned, and an accurate indication of where you stand in terms of your understanding of that class.

Tips for prospective students

Come with an open heart, mind, and attitude to change. Take the experience fully and embrace it - it's a very challenging, but rewarding process that few others rarely get to experience. Also, come prepared for the academics, as well as the physical fitness aspect: VMI's academic programs are very underrated, and only because VMI isn't very well known throughout the nation yet.

In three sentences

VMI is a rigorous school that's not for everyone. The demands placed on its students will leave you with very little free time and an impaired social life, but are well worth it for the benefits of graduating from this institution. Whether you're there for the military or for a job in the civilian sector, VMI is the one place guaranteed to make you a success wherever you go.

A military structure college that is in the top 100 universities in the nation. Located in Virginia, it is out of the ways for some people, but in an optimal location if willing to go at least an hour one way.

Mhairi from San Antonio, TX

There is a 24/7 guard team within Barracks, as well as Post Police patrolling the campus.

Greek Life

Non-existent.

Great for these types of students

Motivated, honest, hardworking students prepared for a challenge. VMI will certainly give you one.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are far too many to describe, VMI is founded and runs on the traditions and odd habits of its history. The Ratline, and the entire system of the school is in itself unusual, unlike anything you'll find anywhere else!

What to do for fun

VMI has a largely closed campus, so there isn't much to do during the week. However, clubs offer wide-ranging activities, many of which involve off-post trips. But on a day to day basis, it's simply hanging out with friends or working out that I enjoy.

Food and Dining

VMI's mess hall has edible food, but it's not particularly palatable, especially day after day. Cadets survive by balancing the basic food with snacks kept in their rooms and takeout.

Dorm Life

Everyone lives in Barracks, an open-air hub of activity, the definite heart of the Institute. Rooms usually house 2-3 people. There's heat but no air-conditioning. But as noisy or crowded as Barracks can be, much of the character and experience of VMI is there.

Academic Rigor

Academics at VMI aren't easy by any stretch, a factor that is only multiplied by the other stresses on a cadet's time and mind. Finding time to focus on academics can be difficult with the demands of leadership opportunities, sports and military ever pressing. However, the faculty are patient and helpful. With a small student-to-professor ratio, the faculty get to know cadets by name, and are prepared to help them.

Tips for prospective students

Prepare for the Ratline! VMI isn't for the faint of hearted. Brace yourself mentally for the trial you will endure if you choose to attend here. PT beyond what you think could ever be enough. Be prepared for a tough experience, a challenge. But know that it will make you stronger, once you succeed.

In three sentences

Don't do ordinary. The combination of the academics, physical activity and military professionalism results in an experience that will change you for the better. VMI is unlike any other school you'll ever encounter, but it isn't for everyone.

from Maine

It's a military school. They have a guard team patrolling 24/7 on different shifts. My bet is it's very safe unless you manage to fall off the balcony.

Clubs and Activities

There is plenty of clubs. Rats are limited to a handful of clubs : glee, rugby, water polo, etc. Many more for upper class cadets.

Great for these types of students

Those willing to focus and change. Those looking for a structured learning environment.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Rats strain and salute Jackson statue. There's more though.

Bang for the buck

For some of the best education in America, it's quite worth it. I know for me, a New Englander, the cost of coming here or Norwich University was dead even with travel. I chose here because of the atmosphere and the overall feeling of success that every cadet portrayed, the small class sizes and quality of education are a plus.

Crozet dining, oh boy. What can I say? It's food. There's plenty of it but not a whole lot of variety. You here the upperclassmen complain about it a lot more. It's not terrible though.

Dorm Life

It's on average 3-4 Brother Rats to a room sometimes more. The rooms are small and you have to learn to deal with being in close proximity all the time. As long as you know where to go, your dyke's room or an academic building, it's not bad at all.

Academic Rigor

Extremely demanding, trying to balance military demands with academics is a hard thing to do. The cadre always stress that academics come first and it's true. If you ever have to choose between shining shoes and doing homework, you do your homework, take the bone, and get chewed out. It sucks but it's important.

Tips for prospective students

When applying here you want to stress your leadership qualities but make sure you also discuss that you're willing and able to be shaped into the model VMI cadet. The Rat line is tough so be expecting a culture shock when you first come here.

In three sentences

Regimented college offering some of the best education south of the Mason-Dixon line. Known as the West Point of the South. if you go here you know you will build awesome relationships with future employers and colleagues.

Food and Dining isn't that bad but it gets old eating there after awhile.

Dorm Life

Initially, Dorm Life is rough, but once you break out it isn't that bad

Academic Rigor

Academic Rigor is tough, but teachers are willing to with you after class or during their office hours.

Tips for prospective students

Prospective students need to come prepared to work hard, and prepared to be challenged physically and mentally on a daily basis.

In three sentences

Virginia Military Institute, commonly referred to as VMI, is a great place for developing favorable traits. My peers at home have noticed that i am a lot more determined to achieve my goals. I would rate this school a 4/5.

AMG6532752364

I have walked back to my room at 4am during exams and nothing has happened. Our Post police constantly do patrols around the campus. It is a very safe environment.

Greek Life

We do not have this on our campus.

Clubs and Activities

If you want to make a club and have enough people to be in it, VMI will help you make it. We don't get much practice time club sport wise in the fall due to all of the parades and other activities, but the spring is a fun time for it all.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

There are too many traditions to talk about on here. Just go to VMI's school website and you can see albums on their page of ratline activities, Ring Figure, Commissioning Ceremonies, and Graduation.

Bang for the buck

It is extremely expensive, and most of us don't understand why. There are a lot of building projects going on, but we will never see them completed or benefit from them. Yes, we are getting a good education, but the price really shouldn't be that high and rising every year.

What to do for fun

You can join a Club Sport if you're not NCAA, go swim in the river, workout, go into town on the weekends and see a movie, eat out, have a movie night with your classmates, etc. It's like a normal college in a way with those activities, but you can't do them often if you want decent grades.

Food and Dining

The food is horrible. This year's theme was slop as in taking a ladle and plopping it onto your dish. There are some really good days, but most of the time the food is just bad and not that healthy for a military school.

Dorm Life

We all live in a barracks with anywhere from 2-4 roommates. It gets extremely loud at times, but ear plugs help when trying to take a nap or go to sleep at night.

Academic Rigor

It is extremely tough because you do not have a lot of time to study in the fall semester. Between football games, parades, and ratline activities, it is extremely hard to get everything done on time, and you barely sleep. The faculty and staff are always there ready to help you out because they understand what we go through and the little amount of time we have to get work done.

Tips for prospective students

Do as many things as you can to make yourself stand out from the others, get good grades, and no criminal activity. Community service and playing a sport really helps.

Nicole from Onalaska, TX

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

1 out of 1 people found this review useful.
16 of 21

Categories

Comments

Campus Safety

Cadets do not lie, cheat or steal. Enough said!

Clubs and Activities

Corps of Cadets is the life of a VMI cadet. Sports, PT, PT, PT and PT.

Great for these types of students

Serious, loyal and hard workers.

Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

Deeply historic and rooted into civil war traditions. Rats march across the battlefiled of Newmarket.

Bang for the buck

Alumni joke and say VMI is a wonderful school to have graduated FROM. The experience is not typical college life, but a commitment, mind, body and soul to a meaningful education and Brother Rats.

What to do for fun

Rats get to strain. PT, PT, PT, PT, sports and club sports.

Food and Dining

I ate in the dining hall and the food was good and plentiful.

Dorm Life

LOL, if you don't mind sleeping on a rack with a 2 inch mattress then VMI is for you! Barracks life is not a typical dorm, but a brotherhood.

Academic Rigor

Faculty tells you to come to VMI prepared to work hard!

Tips for prospective students

Read admissions instructions carefully and be prepared for a thick stack of health paperwork. An alumni interview is not required, but I suggest you have one. I interviewed with alumni and made a friend, probably for life.

In three sentences

What an amazing institute! VMI is not for the faint of heart and spirit. Beautiful campus, awesome faculty and stunning parades!

the food here really isn't very good, but honestly, what college food is good?

Dorm Life

you live in barracks and share a room with about 2-3 people on average. there is heating but no air conditioning.

Academic Rigor

the academics here are very difficult. like any thing else in this school, they require a lot of time, effort, and patience.

Tips for prospective students

be in good shape become coming here! the ratline will test you in every way possible. stay focused and really pay close attention to your academics; because in the end, that is what is going to get you through here and into a good graduate school or get you a good job after graduation.

In three sentences

vmi is a very tough, yet rewarding place to study. it is unlike any other college, you must be physically, mentally, and emotionally tough. as long as you have the drive and determination to be here, you can make it.

from Austin, TX

10/11/2011

Reviewer is A current student here.

3 out of 3 people found this review useful.
18 of 21

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Tips for prospective students

This is a one of a kind place. VMI just resonates with honor and respect. From the second I stepped foot on the campus, I could tell that this was a place that people worked to be at and wanted to be at. The military training is outstanding and the academics are as well.

Am enjoying being here

It depends on the type of person. I feel at home here, but the first year is a bump that many find hard to get over. Its going to be a rough first year; but after you get used to the schedules, you'll come to love it.

William from Decatur, GA

06/27/2011

Reviewer is Researching this school.
Reviewer has been to campus.

4 out of 4 people found this review useful.
19 of 21

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Great for these types of students

Highschoolers interested in the military or bettering themselves in general. The unlocked room policy is incredible, the 4th I was staying with introduced me to all of his BR's all over the barracks. We would just walk in and it was completely normal. GO KEYDETS!

Tips for prospective students

Make sure you're squared away before going here. The intensity level is off the charts similar to a service academy, so knowing how to drill, being in good shape give you a huge advantage going in.

Bang for the buck

Out of state is expensive, but I'm going for the ROTC and NROTC scholarships.

Will enjoy being here

Cannot wait. It's going to be hard, but you just have to embrace the suck.

Will learn a lot

There's not many degrees to choose from (15ish), but the keydets and cadre referred to it as the toughest education in America.

Kimberley from Newland, NC

01/13/2010

Reviewer is A current student here.

16 out of 16 people found this review useful.
20 of 21

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Great for these types of students

Students who want to become the best person they can possibly be and want to get the most out of life. Although VMI is a small school, there are so many opportunities available for anyone who attends. It requires motivation, perseverance, and dedication, but anyone can do much more than they thought they ever could, and VMI proves that to you.

Tips for prospective students

Anything worth having requires sacrifice and hard work. But you can not lose your sense of humor in the process. Learning to cope with stressful situations is much easier when you can find the humor in them.

Bang for the buck

The lessons one learns at VMI are lessons that are quite rare in today's society. Although it is tough and requires alot of sacrifice, every ounce of effort is worth the outcome of becoming a VMI graduate.

Am enjoying being here

This is a difficult time for anyone going through the Ratline, but in the end it is worth all of the hard work and sacrifice.

Am learning a lot

This school is definitely one of a kind. The Ratline that all freshmen must experience is the hardest thing I have ever done, but it is so rewarding one you get through it. It teaches you the important lessons that are so vital to a successful career in the real world, such as time management, self-confidence, discipline and responsibility.

Blake from Cypress, TX

Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon.
Reviewer has been to campus.

7 out of 8 people found this review useful.
21 of 21

Categories

Comments

Great for these types of students

Students who wish to pursue the U.S. Military Students who wish to attend a very structured school with great rewards during your school career. Students who wish to attended a small school

Tips for prospective students

It is a Military College with uniforms and haircuts included. VMI is a small school located in historic Lexington, Virginia. VMI also less than 1500 students. There is no commitment to military at graduation.

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